DENVER, CO — The mother of a 7-year-old boy whose body was found encased in cement has pleaded guilty to child abuse. Elisha Pankey, 43, entered the plea in Denver court Thursday morning.

Pankey’s son, 7-year-old Caden McWilliams, was found dead in a Denver storage unit in the 5000 block of East Evans Avenue in December.

Investigators removed the remains of the child, which were encased inside a dog carrier. The boy was severely emaciated and had sustained many injuries, authorities said. The child also had methamphetamine in his system.

The investigation revealed the boy died in May, according to the Denver Police Department.

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“Thanks to the tenacious work by both the Aurora and Denver Police Departments, we now know that young Caden was not only missing for several months, he was no longer alive. This is a terrible tragedy for the community,” said Denver District Attorney Beth McCann in a statement after Pankey was charged with child abuse. “While this case will take time to resolve, it will take even longer for our community to learn and heal.”

Pankey faces a prison sentence of between 16 and 32 years. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3.

The boy’s father, Leland Pankey, has been charged with murder. He’s scheduled to appear in court Sept. 13.

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